The Northwest Missouri State softball team split Friday’s doubleheader with Central Missouri in Maryville.

After the Jennies held off a late Bearcat rally to take game one, 4-1, Northwest responded with a 2-1 victory in the night cap.

The Bearcats are now 21-21 this season and hold a 13-9 mark in the MIAA, while the Jennies are now 33-13 and lead the league at 15-5.

In game one, Sarah Baldwin threw seven solid innings for the Bearcats, giving up three earned runs on six hits to take the loss. The junior totaled four strikeouts and surrendered five walks.

Rebecca Maher reached base twice on a pair of singles and drove in the only Bearcat run, while Torri Blythe finished 1-for-4 and scored a run.

In game two, Kendle Schieber gave up two hits and struck out 11 to earn the victory. The junior faced just one over the minimum after retiring the first 15 batters. Nine of the first ten Jennies were retired via the strikeout. At the plate, Schieber slapped a pair of singles and drove in the eventual game-winning run.

Stephanie Mark clubbed two hits, including a double to deep left center, and scored a run.  Rebecca Maher reached base on a single and an error and scored one run.

Northwest will return to the diamond next Friday, April 24, when Emporia State makes the trip to Maryville. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m.

— Northwest Sports Information —